Llibre Vermell

Llibre Vermell de Montserrat Anonymous (Artist), Sarband (Artist), Vladimir Ivanoff (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 4, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Dorian Recordings
• ASIN: B00004SSGW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #433,261 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. O Virgo Splendens

2. Laudemus Virginem

3. Salve Virgo / Splendens Ceptigera

4. Cedit Frigus

5. Polorum Regina

6. Mariam Matrem

7. Inperayntz / Verges Ses Par

8. Stella Splendens

9. Los Set Gotxs

10. Ad Mortem Festinamus

11. O Virgo Splendens

12. Cedit Frigus

13. Cuncti Simus

14. Inperayntz / Verges Ses Par

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eclectic, sonorous, lively and ever-interesting!, November 24, 2002

By 

Brianna Neal (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Llibre Vermell (Audio CD)

This recording by Sarband offers creative and varied interpretations of the songs of medieval pilgrims at Santa Maria de Montserrat. In the late 14th century, to dissuade enthusiastic travelers from profaning the monastery church with secular songs and dances, the monks of Montserrat gathered together some songs they felt were more appropriate. Ten of these selections have been passed down to us as part of a volume of folios later bound in red velvet--the "Libre Vermell". Sarband's director Vladimir Ivanoff, also of the group Vox, is well known for his focus on the cultural exchanges that have occurred over the centuries between European and Arabic music. Such influences were especially prevalent in Spain, which was occupied by the Moors for centuries. Tracks #9, "Stella splendens", and #10, "Los set gotxs", are standouts, and for lack of a more period term, they "really rock"! Indeed, they are specified as "round dances" in the text of the Red Book, with which the pilgrims could celebrate in a state of religious fervor the culmination of their long journey. Four vocal soloists and five instrumentalists perform, and are joined at key points by a full choir. Other fine recordings which also feature music from the Llibre Vermell include the Toronto Consort's "The Way of the Pilgrim: Medieval Songs of Travel", and Ensemble Unicorn's "The Black Madonna: Pilgrim Songs from the Monastery of Montserrat (1400-1420)". Sarband's subsequent recording, "Sacred Women: Women as Composers and Performers of Medieval Chant", continues to explore the pure and expressive power of the voice in expressing religious devotion--Catholic, Byzantine and Muslim.

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Impressive., July 12, 2000

By 

chrisjr (Orlando, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Llibre Vermell (Audio CD)

This CD contains what I always imagined great choral music should sound like; dynamic and powerful. While not all tracks are choral, all are very interesting--some very intense. This is music from the 14th century. I actually don't own this cd yet, I listened to much of it in a local cd store--I will be getting it though. I recommend this if you like early chamber and choral music. I am hardly an expert on choral or chamber music, and I don't know much about this album to be honest. I just found the sound inspiring and unusual to my ears, but very good, so I wanted to recommend it.

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Vegas here we come, January 31, 2009

By 

A. Selk (WI USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Llibre Vermell (Audio CD)

I bought this disk very cheap used as it's out of print. I was on a very short Dorian binge. I recovered rather quickly. I did find a few good disk. I thought "Crossroads of the Celts" and "Celtic Wanderers" are fine recordings. No doubt there are others that I would like. But this recording reminds me of all that I dislike about the Dorian label. It just all so over the top. If you can imagine someone doing a Los Vegas show of early music you may get some idea of how distasteful this cd is. Think Elvis in his late years. Think a large stage with smoke and mirrors and lots of flashing lights and scantily clad dancing. I think I need a drink.

There are far better recordings of this type of music that are much more satisfying on every level.